It's not just about the machine - it's helpful to know where to go for help, too.
All products by John Lewis
It's more than just how the machine works...
Unless you have a dedicated sewing room, chances are you will be getting the sewing machine out of a cupboard every time you want to use it, so make sure it’s not too heavy for you to lift in and out.
Even if you can’t see a use for them now, once you have the sewing bug you may start drooling over extra accessories later. Pick a machine from a well-known brand with plenty of accessories you can add on later to make your choice a good investment for the future.
If there’s a chance you may use your sewing machine to sew thick or heavy fabrics, make sure it isn’t too flimsy or unstable to handle them.
John Lewis staff can offer loads of help and advice on choosing a sewing machine. John Lewis also has in store sewing classes - call in and ask at your local store or go to www.johnlewis.com.
Singer has some really useful tips on choosing a machine on their website.
Don’t forget your local sewing machine specialist! There are still some of these left on our high streets and they really know what they are talking about.
Bobbin? Feed dog? What does it all mean?
A small spool of thread that sits beneath the needle. The stitches are made by looping together this thread and the thread from your main reel of cotton. Because they need to be the same type and colour thread, you need to wind the desired thread onto the bobbin before you start.
Little grippy teeth that move under the needle plate as the sewing machine is working, to draw the fabric through.
A narrow protruding section on the bed of the machine that allows you to sew sleeves and trouser legs more easily. It’s usually formed by removing a detachable part of the sewing machine base.
The area around the needle on the bed of the machine, which conceals the bobbin and fits over the feed dogs.
A small flat piece that is lowered just before sewing starts to hold the fabric down against the feed dogs.
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